Clothing Accessory Engaging Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A clothing accessory engaging apparatus and method for removably engaging a clothing accessory to an article of clothing includes a flexible member having first and second end portions with a fold line therebetween. A plurality of removable fasteners is included for attaching the first end portion to the article of clothing, with at least one of the removable fasteners adjacent to the fold line. Also included is a removable attachment for the second end portion to the first end portion, wherein the flexible member folds back on itself near the fold line forming a closed end loop when the removable attachment is in a closed state, the flexible member not forming a closed end loop when the removable attachment is in an open state, the closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructed by the removable fastener for the first end portion to the article of clothing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an engaging apparatus thatengages clothing accessories to an article of clothing for convenienceand/or fashion purposes. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to clothing accessories such as neckties, ascot ties, bowcollars, sailor collars, bertha collars, jabots, and the like, that forconvenience and/or fashion purposes are desirably removably engaged toan article of clothing such as shirts, blouses, pants, shorts, shirts,dresses, coats, jackets, capes, ponchos, and the like. Further, theengaging apparatus is substantially hidden from an external view to notinterfere with a preferred fashion “look” for the assemblage of clothingaccessories and articles of clothing without the typical obligatory tiepins, tie bars, stickpins, brooches, and the like that may not fit inwith a particular fashion look that is desired by the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Convenience, flexibility and choice have become ever more important inmodern day society, witness the rise in the quality and selection ofquick prepare microwave foods, fast casual restaurants, instant mobilephone number and phone activation, and Internet purchases of goods andservices, all of which were unavailable a few years ago. Taking thisconcept into the clothing area, flexibility and choice are becoming evermore important to the clothing wearer, thus being able to removablyengage a clothing accessory to an article of clothing without theengaging apparatus showing or interfering with the desired fashion“look” desired by the wearer.

The concept of having a substantially hidden engaging apparatus toremovably engage a clothing accessory to the article of clothing isrecognized in the prior art starting with U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,703 toCampelia et al., that discloses a neck apparel restraining device andmethod that requires uniformly spaced front shirt buttons. The Campeliaet al. device is disposed vertically parallel and proximate to theunrestrained portion of the neck apparel and slidably engages atransversely arranged portion or loop of the neck apparel. The Campeliaet al. device itself is a soft and pliable member having first andsecond button hole openings proximate to the first and second ends ofthe member. The Campelia et al. buttonholes are spaced a selecteddistance to match that of the particularly spaced fastening buttons on ashirtfront. The three principal disadvantages of the Campelia et al.design are the requirement of the device buttonholes matching the shirtbutton vertical spacing, the limited vertical movement allowed of thenecktie in relation to the shirt, and not adequately covering the caseof the transversely arranged portion or loop being directly over a shirtbutton or if the loop is adjacent to a shirtfront button severelyrestricting vertical tie movement in relation to the shirtfront. Notethat in Campelia et al., in looking at FIG. 4 an attempt is made toaccommodate the case of the transversely arranged portion or loop beingover the shirtfront button, wherein the outward and lateral or sidewaysdisplacement of the necktie relative to the shirtfront could beexcessive and further limit upward vertical movement of the necktierelative to the shirtfront as allowing generous vertical movement of thetie relative to the shirtfront is important when the user moves from thestanding to sitting position and vice versa.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,292 B1 to Knoll, disclosed is a necktierestraining device similar to Campelia et al. with the difference beingthat the restraining device is attached to the bottom front of the shirtduring shirt manufacture, which requires that the restraining devicehaving to be removed to be used. One stated advantage of Knoll is thatthe device material is matched to the shirt itself, being ofquestionable value as the restraining device is hidden from view innormal use. Other stated advantages of Knoll are that the restrainingdevice has a “guaranteed” match with the buttonhole spacing of the shirtand that the restraining device does not have to be purchased separatelyhowever, a disadvantage is that a special shirt needs to be purchased.However, the three principal disadvantages of the Campelia et al. designare also present in Knoll, being the requirement of the devicebuttonholes matching the shirtfront buttons, the limited verticalmovement allowed of the necktie in relation to the shirtfront and notadequately covering the case of the transversely arranged portion or tieloop being directly over a shirt button.

Continuing, in looking at U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,457 to Chennault disclosedis a neckwear-anchoring device again similar to both Campelia et al. andKnoll except that the device is relatively stiff i.e. a plastic strip,and uses a shirt button attachment of an open ended slot as shown inFIG. 2, elements 42 and 43, also elements 45 and 46. Wherein Chennaultstates that the open ended slot is easier to use to attach to the shirtbutton as opposed to a button hole, also the difference between the Xand Y dimensions in FIG. 2 allows some very limited variance for buttonhole spacing. The three principal disadvantages of the Campelia et al.and Knoll designs are again also present in Chennault being therequirement of the device buttonholes matching the shirt buttons, thelimited vertical movement allowed of the necktie in relation to theshirtfront and not adequately covering the case of the transverselyarranged portion or tie loop being directly over a shirt button.Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,579 to Swain disclosed is an apparatusto restrain neck tie tails that includes an elongated plastic strip thatforms a loop, wherein the inside of the loop vertically slidablyreceives the transverse tie element with the plastic loop having buttonholes at each end and the loop having an opening at one end being neededfor insertion of the transverse tie element. The three principaldisadvantages of the Campelia et al., Knoll, and Chennault designs areagain also present in Swain being the requirement of the devicebuttonholes matching the shirtfront buttons, the limited verticalmovement allowed of the necktie in relation to the shirt, and notadequately covering the case of the transversely arranged portion or tieloop being directly over a shirt button.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,836 to Jacobson II disclosed is a methodand an apparatus for restraining a necktie that requires permanentattachment to the tie by a pair of vertical bars that have atransversely mounted member that has a slidable engagement with avertical member attached to the buttons of a shirt. Drawbacks ofJacobson II are the permanent attachment of the apparatus to the tie andnot being able to accommodate an over the button attachment, however,with the attachment of the vertical bars anywhere (vertically) on thetie, this problem is somewhat overcome being offset by the disadvantageof having to attach the bars to the tie, however, the user tying the tiedoes not have a precise resultant vertical position of the tie frontapron in relation to the shirt front, thus there is still theaforementioned problems of Campelia et al., Knoll, Chennault, and Swain.An alternative embodiment of Jacobson II has the transverse member ortie loop slidably engaged to the bars dispensing with the need for thevertical member to be slidably engaged with the transverse member or tieloop. The major drawback of the Jacobson II alternative embodimentapparatus is that once the vertical bars are attached to the tie theuser is locked into a set vertical position for the tie attachment tothe shirtfront much the same as Jacobson II in the first describedembodiment, and again when the tie and shirt are worn another time therelative vertical position of the tie front apron and shirtfront may notbe the same and with the attachment of the bars to the tie, makes itdifficult to adjust for this vertical discrepancy due to fixed buttonhole vertical positioning on the shirtfront. The attached bars inJacobson II also cause problems in retting the tie plus interfering withcleaning and pressing of the tie and creating the need for a dedicatedrestraint for each tie and the burden of modifying each tie that a userowns.

Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,576 to Prince, Jr. disclosed is abutton slot necktie fastener that is permanently fastened to a tie byuse of an adhesive attached to the integral loop on the back of a tie.The Prince, Jr. button slot is a semi rigid pliable plastic material,wherein the slot attaches to the button of the shirt with the slotallowing vertical movement of the tie relative to the shirt. Drawbacksof the Prince, Jr. tie fastener are again the same as Jacobson II withthe tie fastener permanently attached to the tie making for difficultiesin tying the tie and along with cleaning and pressing the tie, inaddition to the aforementioned problem of the fixed button hole verticalpositioning on the shirt front. Also, Prince, Jr., puts additionalstress on the shirtfront button stitching as the tie fastener slot edgesslide against the button stitching causing wear, also when the tie loopis positioned adjacent to the shirt front button vertical movement ofthe tie in relation to the shirtfront is severely limited.

Alike functionally, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,746,055 to Gleason, disclosed isa neck tie hold down that is simply a series of button holes sewn in theback of a tie to accommodate the different vertical positions that atied tie front apron can end up in relation to a shirt front. Note thatin Gleason, there is no provision for vertical tie movement relative tothe shirt and of course a special tie is required with theaforementioned disadvantages as in Jacobson II and Prince, Jr. Also, inU.S. Pat. No. 2,743,452 to Waterbury, disclosed is a neck tie with apermanently stitched retaining tab on the front apron that includes afabric strip with a button hole at one end that attaches to a shirtfront button, wherein the strip feeds through a special slit in the tierear apron or narrow portion, with the strip being of a matchingmaterial to the tie. Drawbacks of Waterbury include having a special tieas in Jacobson II, Prince, Jr., and Gleason in addition to excessiveoutward and lateral or sideways tie movement from the slack of the striprelative to the shirtfront and creating the need for a dedicatedrestraint for each tie and the burden of modifying each tie that a userowns. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,749,553 to Miller, disclosed a necktie holding means with a number of embodiments that all require a formof permanent attachment to the tie, in one disclosed embodiment,referencing FIGS. 1 through 4, a vertical strip is attached by stitchingto the rear apron or narrow end of the tie with multiple button holesfor alignment with the shirtfront buttons, however only one button holeis used. Note, that in Miller the undesirable feature of this stripattachment is that during vertical movement of the tie relative to theshirt the rear apron or narrow portion of the tie will bunch up whilethe front apron or wide portion of the tie will move freely. Anotherembodiment of Miller in FIGS. 5 and 6 has a loop with a buttonholerequiting two bands to be affixed to the tie. FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11of Miller have a permanent loop attached to the tie with multiplebuttonholes, with FIG. 12 disclosing a button holed tab extending fromand attached to the tie. Other drawbacks of Miller are the requirementof a special tie as previously discussed and creating the need for adedicated restraint for each tie and the burden of modifying each tiethat a user owns.

Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,652,562 to Bagier, disclosed is a necktieholder that includes a fabric strip with a buttonhole in the center withthe fabric strip stitched to the tie at each end. Drawbacks of Bagierinclude requiring a special tie as previously discussed and the otherissue of excessive outward and lateral or sideways extension of the tiein relation to the shirtfront due to slack in the fabric strip toaccommodate vertical movement of the tie relative to the shirt front.Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,438 to Voiles disclosed is a device andmethod for restraining the rear apron or tail of a necktie to ashirtfront. The Voiles device is a strip of flexible material that formsa slipknot on one end with a buttonhole on the other end as best shownin FIG. 3 and installed in FIG. 2. Note that, on the Voiles device therewill also be excessive outward and lateral or sidewajE movement of thenecktie relative to the shirtfront due to the inherent “slack” of theslipknot. Alike, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,200 to McNamara disclosed is atie restraint and method that is similar to Voiles in design, with theadded feature of a “stop” for the slipknot reference the notches 16, 18,and 20 in FIG. 3, however, for the notches to work, the material of therestraint must be somewhat stiff which adds to the problem of theundesirable outward extension of the tie relative to the shirtfront. Intwo other embodiments of McNamara (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8) the restraintis required to be permanently affixed to the tie by stitching, which ofcourse is undesirable as creating the nee d for a dedicate d restraintfor each tie and the burden of modifying each tie that a user owns aspreviously described.

Finally, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,546 to Jones disclosed is a necktierestraint that like Jacobson II requires modification and permanentattachment to the tie front apron by a vertically displaced loop that isstitched in place with a slidably engaged transverse member thatcontains a buttonhole for attachment to a shirtfront button.Disadvantages of Jones are with the requirement of the device buttonholehaving to match the shirtfront button position vertically within alimited range, the limited vertical movement allowed of the necktie inrelation to the shirtfront and the need for a special tie. The Jonesability to align with the shirt front button is somewhat enervated by alonger dimension “A” as shown in FIG. 3, however, this can cause thevertical movement ability of the restraint to be compromised as thebutton hole could end up at or near one of the extremes of the verticalmovement allowable, thus compromising the vertical movement available ofthe tie in relation to the shirtfront. Other drawbacks of the Jones tiefastener are again the same as Jacobson II with the tie fastenerpermanently attached to the tie making for difficulties in tying the tieand along with cleaning and pressing the tie.

What is needed is a clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly thatcan accommodate a range of shirtfront button vertical spacing, also tobe adaptable to a range of vertical relations between the tie frontapron loop to the shirtfront buttons, handle both the case of the tiefront apron loop ending up vertically between the shirtfront buttons,near one shirtfront button, or over a shirtfront button, while under allof the aforementioned conditions allowing maximum vertical tiedisplacement relative to the shirtfront and minimizing outward andlateral or sideways tie displacement relative to the shirt front.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention of a clothing accessory engagingapparatus for removably engaging a clothing accessory to an article ofclothing, includes a flexible member forming a substantially planarstrip that includes a first end portion and an opposing second endportion, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion areseparated by a fold line. Also included, is a plurality of means forremovably fastening the first end portion to the article of clothing,wherein at least one of the means for removably fastening is adjacent tothe fold line. In addition, included is a means for removably attachingthe second end portion to the first end portion, wherein the planarstrip folds back on itself approximately at the fold line with theplanar strip forming a closed end loop. When the means for removablyattacking is in a closed state and the planar strip does not form aclosed end loop when the means for removably attaching is in an openstate, also the closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructed bythe means for removably fastening the first end portion to the articleof clothing.

These and other objects of the present invention will become morereadily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly,

FIG. 2 shows cross sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 for the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly,

FIG. 3 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly with the flexible member second end portion removablyengaged to the flexible member first end portion with the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly folded at the fold line;

FIG. 4 shows cross sectional view 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the flexible membersecond end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first endportion with the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly foldedat the fold line;

FIG. 5 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory bet ween the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by thearticle of clothing with the flexible member second end port ton notremovably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 6 shows cross sectional view 6-6 of FIG. 5 for the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging aclothing accessory between the buttons of the article of clothing andbeing retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member secondend portion not removably engaged to the flexible member first endportion;

FIG. 7 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory betweenthe buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an articleof clothing with the flexible member second end portion removablyengaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 8 shows cross sectional view 8-8 of FIG. 7 for the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging aclothing accessory between the buttons of the article of clothing andbeing retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member secondend portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 9 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory overone of the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by anarticle of clothing with the flexible member second end portionremovably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 10 shows cross sectional view 10-10 of FIG. 9 for the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging aclothing accessory over one of the buttons of the article of clothingand being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible membersecond end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first endportion;

FIG. 11 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory betweenthe buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by the articleof clothing with the flexible member second end portion not removablyengaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 12 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory betweenthe buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an articleof clothing with the flexible member second end portion removablyengaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 13 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory overone of the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by anarticle of clothing with the flexible member second end portionremovably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 14 shows a flat pattern layout of an alternative embodiment theclothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly with an elongatedaperture assembly;

FIG. 15 shows cross sectional view 15-15 of FIG. 14 for the alternativeembodiment of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly withthe elongated aperture assembly, and

FIG. 16 shows cross sectional view 16-16 of FIG. 14 for the alternativeembodiment of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly withthe elongated aperture assembly.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS

-   20 Clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly-   21 Clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture    assembly-   22 Clothing accessory-   23 Clothing accessory 22 front apron-   24 Article of clothing-   25 Clothing accessory 22 rear apron-   26 Button-   27 Button hole-   28 Button stitching-   30 Button spacing nominal-   32 Clothing accessory 22, X axis movement being lateral or sideways-   33 Clothing accessory 22, Y axis movement being vertical-   34 Clothing accessory 22, Z axis movement being outward or away from    the article of clothing 24-   35 Clothing accessory 22 loop interior-   36 Clothing accessory 22 loop-   37 Closed end loop-   38 Non closed end loop-   39 Closed end loop interior-   40 Flexible member-   42 Flexible member 40 fold line for the clothing accessory engaging    apparatus assembly 20, where in the fold line 42 separates the first    end portion 44 and the second end portion 46-   44 Flexible member 40 first end portion-   46 Flexible member 40 second end port ton-   48 First means for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to    the article of clothing 24-   50 Second means for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to    the article of clothing 24-   51 Flexible member 61 first end portion 63 aperture-   52 First end portions 44 and 63 stitching for button hole 21-   54 Means for removably attaching the second end portions 46 and 65    to the first end portions 44 and 63 respectively of the clothing    accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 and the clothing accessory    engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21-   55 Snap assembly-   56 Affixing for the means 54 for attaching the second end portions    46 and 65 to the first end portions 44 and 63 respectively to the    flexible member 40 and the flexible member 61 with the elongated    button aperture 62-   57 Flexible member 61 first end portion 63 elongated aperture-   58 First indicia area-   60 Second indicia area-   61 Flexible member with the elongated button hole 62-   62 Flexible member 61 first end portion elongated button hole-   63 Flexible member 61 first end portion for the elongated button    aperture assembly-   64 Flexible member 61 elongated button aperture stitching-   65 Flexible member 61 second end portion for the elongated button    aperture assembly-   66 Elongated button aperture stiffening member-   68 Button minimum spacing-   70 Button maximum spacing-   72 Flexible member 61 with, the elongated button aperture, end    margin stitching-   74 Fold line of flexible member 61 with the elongated button    aperture assembly 21, wherein the fold line 74 separates the first    end portion 63 and the second end portion 65

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1 shown is a flat pattern layout of theclothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20, FIG. 2 shows crosssectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 for the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly 20, and FIG. 3 shows a flat pattern layout of theclothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 with the flexiblemember 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member40 first end portion 44 with the clothing accessory engaging apparatusassembly 20 folded at the fold line 42. Further, FIG. 4 shows crosssectional view 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the flexible member 40 second endportion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion44 with the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 folded atthe fold line 42, FIG. 5 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging aclothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexiblemember 40 second end portion 46 not removably engaged to the flexiblemember 40 first end portion 44, and FIG. 6 shows cross sectional view6-6 of FIG. 5 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by an article ofclothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 notremovably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44.

Continuing yet further, FIG. 7 shows a flat pattern layout of theclothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidablyengaging the clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the articleof clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with theflexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to theflexible member 40 first end portion 44, FIG. 5 shows cross sectionalview 8-8 of FIG. 7 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatusassembly 20 in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory 22 between thebuttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by thearticle of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, andFIG. 9 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22over one of the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and beingretained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 firstend portion 44. Subsequently, FIG. 10 shows cross sectional view 10-10of FIG. 9 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 inuse slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 over one of the buttons26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article ofclothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removablyengaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, FIG. 11 shows aflat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatusassembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 betweenthe buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by thearticle of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46not removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44,and FIG. 12 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessoryengaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothingaccessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 andbeing retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 firstend portion 44.

Continuing, FIG. 13 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging theclothing accessory 22 over one of the buttons 26 of the article ofclothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with theflexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to theflexible member 40 first end portion 44, FIG. 14 shows a flat patternlayout of an alternative embodiment the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly 21 with an elongated aperture assembly 62, and FIG.15 shows cross sectional view 15-15 of FIG. 14 for the alternativeembodiment of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 21 withthe elongated aperture assembly 62. Finally, FIG. 16 shows crosssectional view 16-16 of FIG. 14 for the alternative embodiment of theclothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 21 with the elongatedaperture assembly 62.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-13, the present invention of aclothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 for removably engagingthe clothing accessory 22 to the article of clothing 24, includes aflexible member 40 forming a substantially planar strip that includesthe first end portion 44 and an opposing second end portion 46, whereinthe first end portion 44 and the second end portion 46 are separated bya fold line 42. Also included, is a plurality of means 48 and 50 forremovably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing24, wherein at least one of the means 50 for removably fastening isadjacent to the fold line 42. In addition, included is a means 54 forremovably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion44, wherein the planar strip fobs back on itself approximately at thefold line 42 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when themeans 54 for removably attaching is in a closed state, as best shown inFIG. 4, With the planar strip not forming a closed end loop 38 when themeans 54 for removably attaching is in an open state, as best shown inFIG. 2, also the closed end loop 37 has an interior 39 that isunobstructed by the means 50 for removably fastening the first endportion 44 to the article of clothing 24.

Further, the means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first endportion 44 to the article of clothing 24 is preferably selected from agroup consisting essentially of a buttonhole 27 having conventionalstitching 52, wherein the button hole 27 is positioned therethrough inthe first end portion 44 (shown). The buttons are preferably Dritz brandmulti colored and multi sized buttons under Dritz number 6614 with Dritzbrand button expanders under Dritz number D25559. However, other means48 and 50 could include a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loopfastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin or other likealternatives as is known in the art. Furthermore, the snap is preferablya Dritz brand 7/16 inch snap fastener Dritz model number 6722, or aDritz brand silver snap fastener Dritz number 6733, or a Dritz brandwhite snap fastener Dritz number 6732, or a W. H. Collins brand (IronSate) translucent nylon snap fastener Collins number C246, the clamp ispreferably a Streamline Corporation brand clamp Streamline number 9894,the clasp is preferably a Dritz brand hook and eye fastener clasp Dritznumber 6734, and the clamping pin is preferably a known standard type inthe clothing arts. The hook and loop fastener, drawstring, and stickpinare well known in the art. Alternatively, for enhanced alignment betweenthe clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 and the article ofclothing 24, the means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first endportion 44 to the article of clothing 24 are preferably eachsubstantially positionally matched to mate with each of a correspondingmeans for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article ofclothing 24. Although FIGS. 1-13 preferably show a button hole 27 thatutilizes the button 26 from the article of clothing 24 for the means 48and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the articleof clothing 24, the button hole 27 is only one of many options thatwould be acceptable as identified above, also, for instance magneticelements could be used for the means 48 and 50 for removably fasteningthe first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24 or any othertypes of removable fasteners as are known in the art.

Continuing further, the means 54 for removably attaching the second endportion 46 to the first end portion 44 is preferably selected from agroup consisting essentially of a button and a buttonhole, a snap 55using affixing thread 56 (shown), a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loopfastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin or other tikealternatives as is known in the art. The buttons are preferably Dritzbrand multi colored and multi sized buttons under Dritz number 6614 withDritz brand button expanders under Dritz number 25559. Furthermore, thesnap 55 is preferably a Dritz brand 7/16 inch snap fastener Dritz modelnumber 6722, or a Dritz brand silver snap fastener Dritz number 6733, ora Dritz brand white snap fastener Dritz number 6732, or a W. H. Collinsbrand (Iron Sate) translucent nylon snap fastener Collins number C246,the clamp is preferably a Streamline Corporation brand clamp Streamlinenumber 9894, the clasp is preferably a Dritz brand hook and eye fastenerclasp Dritz number 6734, and the clamping pin is preferably a knownstandard type in the clothing arts. The hook and loop fastener,drawstring, and stickpin are well known in the art. Although FIGS. 1-14show a snap 55 or snap assembly 55, as best shown on FIG. 4 for themeans 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 46 to the firstend portion 44, the snap assembly 55 is only one of many options thatwould be acceptable as identified above, also, for instance magneticelements could be used for the means 54 for removably attaching thesecond end portion 46 to the first end portion 44 or any other types ofremovable attachment as are known in the art.

On materials of construction, the flexible member 40 is preferablyconstructed of fabric similar to the fabric that the article of clothing24 is constructed of, however, understanding that having an exact matchof fabric is not necessary between the flexible member 40 and thearticle of clothing 24. The flexible member 40 fabric is preferably apin point dress shirt fabric that is a two ply fabric that is lighterand smoother than a plain oxford fabric being constructed of 100%percent cotton with various levels of thread count. Also, it would beacceptable for the flexible member 40 to be various blend ratios ofcotton and/or polyester and/or rayon and/or silk. Furthermore, theflexible member 40 could be a poplin dress shirt fabric that is as lightas pin point cloth but having a smoother finish and does not have anypatterns in the material, being generally the same weight as thepinpoint fabric, in addition, it would also be acceptable for the poplinfabric to be various blend ratios of cotton and/or polyester and/orrayon and/or silk. Continuing, the flexible member 40 can also be atwill fabric that is heavier than the pinpoint or poplin with a slightpattern. Yet, further alternatives for the flexible member 40 couldinclude woven fabric that is thicker than pinpoint or poplin for moreluxurious type feel, wherein the weave is noticeable to the naked eye,also acceptable would be a broadcloth fabric such as a herringbonebroadcloth. Note that all is the aforementioned fabrics for the flexiblemember 40 can be in all shades and colors including black and white, inaddition to various fabric finishes and various cotton percentages.Alternatively, the flexible member 40 can be constructed of any flexiblematerial such as plastic, reinforced paper (such as linen paper, fibrouspaper, plasticized paper, and the like), rubber, or any other materialthat can meet the aforementioned functional requirements. Also, rigid orsemi rigid materials could be used that have the capability ofreversibly bending at the fold line 42 such as hard plastics, metals,and the like as is known in the art. Optionally, the second end portion46 can additionally include an indicia area 58 or 60 or a plurality ofindicia areas 58 and 60 that can be embroidered, printed, embossed, orthe like and can indicate a personalized identification, brand ranting,advertising and other similar uses, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Further, as an alternative embodiment the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly 21 can have an elongated aperture 62 forming theclothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly21 as best shown in FIGS. 14-16 for removably engaging the clothingaccessory 22 to the article of clothing 24. The clothing accessoryengaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 includes aflexible member 61 forming a substantially planar strip that includesthe first end portion 63 and an opposing second end portion 65, whereinthe first end portion 63 and the second end portion 65 are separated bya fold line 74. The clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongatedaperture assembly 21 further includes an aperture 51 in the form of abutton hole 27 having conventional stitching 52, wherein the button hole27 is disposed therethrough in the first end portion 63 and an elongatedaperture 57 in the form of an elongated button hole 62 is also disposedtherethrough in the first end portion 63. Wherein the elongated buttonhole 62 is adjacent to the fold line 74, the button hole 27 and theelongated button hole 62 are each approximately positionally matched tomate with each of a corresponding button 26 for removably fastening thefirst end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24. However, theelongated button hole 62 can accommodate different button 26 spacing 30(being from button minimum spacing 68 to button maximum spacing 70, seealso FIGS. 5-13) of the article of clothing 24. The clothing accessoryengaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 also furtherincludes a means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 65 tothe first end portion 63, wherein the flexible member 61 planar stripfolds back on itself approximately at the fold line 74 with the planarstrip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removablyattaching is in a closed state as best represented by FIG. 4 and theplanar strip not forming a closed end loop 38, when the means 54 forremovably attaching is in an open state, as best represented by FIG. 2.The closed end loop 37 has an interior 39 that is unobstructed by theelongated button hole 62 with a button 26 inserted therethrough whenremovably attaching the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing24. Even though FIGS. 2 and 4 represent the clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly 20 they are referenced for the clothing accessoryengaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 for the showingof the closed and open states for the means 54 for removably attaching,specifically the closed end loop 37 interior 39 when the means 54 is inthe closed state, see FIG. 4, and the non closed end loop 38 when themeans 54 is in the open state, see FIG. 2.

Continuing further, referencing FIG. 14 in particular, the means 54 forremovably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion63 is preferably selected from a group consisting essentially of abutton and a buttonhole, a snap 55 using affixing thread 56 (shown), aclamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, anda clamping pin or other like alternatives as is known in the art. Thebuttons are preferably Dritz brand multi colored and multi sized buttonsunder Dritz number 6614 with Dritz brand button expanders under Dritznumber 25559. Furthermore, the snap 55 is preferably a Dritz brand 7/16inch snap fastener Dritz model number 6722, or a Dritz brand silver snapfastener Dritz number 6733, or a Dritz brand white snap fastener Dritznumber 6732, or a W. H. Collins brand (Iron Sate) translucent nylon snapfastener Collins number C246, the clamp is preferably a StreamlineCorporation brand clamp Streamline number 9894, the clasp is preferablya Dritz brand hook and eye fastener clasp Dritz number 6734, and theclamping pin is preferably a known standard type in the clothing arts.The hook and loop fastener, drawstring, and stickpin are well known inthe art. Although FIG. 14 shows a snap 55 or snap assembly 55, as bestshown on FIG. 14 for the means 54 for removably attaching the second endportion 65 to the first end portion 63, the snap assembly 55 is only oneof many options that would be acceptable as identified above, also, forinstance magnetic elements could be used for the means 54 for removablyattaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion 63 or anyother types of removable attachment as are known in the art.

On materials of construction, the flexible member 61 is preferablyconstructed of fabric similar to the fabric that the article of clothing24 is constructed of, however, understanding that having an exact matchof fabric is not necessary between the flexible member and the articleof clothing 24. The flexible member 61 fabric is preferably a pin pointdress shirt fabric that is a two ply fabric that is lighter and smootherthan a plain oxford fabric being constructed of 100% percent cotton withvarious levels of thread count. Also, it would be acceptable for theflexible member 61 to be various blend ratios of cotton and/or polyesterand/or rayon and/or silk. Furthermore, the flexible member 61 could be apoplin dress shirt fabric that is as light as pin point cloth but havinga smoother finish and does not have any patterns in the material, beinggenerally the same weight as the pinpoint fabric, in addition, it wouldalso be acceptable for the poplin fabric to be various blend ratios ofcotton and/or polyester and/or rayon and/or silk. Continuing, theflexible member 61 can also be a twill fabric that is heavier than thepinpoint or poplin with a slight pattern. Yet, further alternatives forthe flexible member 61 could include woven fabric that is thicker thanpinpoint or poplin for more luxurious type feel, wherein the weave isnoticeable to the naked eye, also acceptable would be a broadclothfabric such as a herringbone broadcloth. Note that all is theaforementioned fabrics for the flexible member 61 can be in all shadesand colors including black and white, in addition to various fabricfinishes and various cotton percentages. Alternatively, the flexiblemember 61 can be constructed of any flexible material such as plastic,reinforced paper (such as linen paper, fibrous paper, plasticized paper,and the like), rubber, or any other material that can meet theaforementioned functional requirements. Also, rigid or semi rigidmaterials could be used that have the capability of reversibly bendingat the fold line 74 such as hard plastics, metals, and the like as isknown in the art.

Optionally, referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 the clothing accessoryengaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 can furtherinclude a plurality of stiffening members 66 that are adjacent to theelongated button hole 62, with the stiffening members 66 beingoperational to further retain the button 26 on the elongated button hole62 to better attach the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing24. The stiffening members 66 can be preferably constructed of metallicwire (as shown), or metallic strips, or composite rods or strips, or anyother material that has sufficient rigidity to be disposed within thefirst end portion 63 while adding some degree of rigidity in the area ofthe elongated button aperture stitching 64, wherein the stitching 64also is operational to at least partially retain the stiffening members66 within the first end portion 63. As it is preferred that thestiffening members 66 are “sandwiched” in between two layers of fabricof the first end portion 63, end margin stitching 72 can be utilized tofurther retain the stiffening members 66 within the first end portion63. Also, optionally the second end portion 65 can additionally includean indicia area 53 or 60 or a plurality of indicia areas 58 and 60 thatcan be embroidered, printed, embossed, or the like and can indicate apersonalized identification, brand naming, advertising and other similaruses, as best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

Method of Use

Focusing in particular on FIGS. 5-13 and referencing FIGS. 1-4, a methodof removably engaging a clothing accessory 22 from the clothingaccessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 from an article of clothing 24,comprises the steps of: providing a flexible member 40 forming asubstantially planar strip that includes the first end portion 44 andthe opposing second end portion 46, wherein the first end portion 44 andthe second end portion 46 are separated by a fob line 42. Also providedis a plurality of means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first endportion 44 to the article of clothing 24, wherein at least one of themeans 50 for removably fastening is adjacent to the fold line 42. Inaddition, provided is the means 54 for removably attaching the secondend portion 46 to the first end portion 44, wherein the planar stripfobs back on itself approximately at the fob line 42 with the planarstrip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removablyattaching is in a closed state, see FIG. 4, and the planar strip notforming a closed end loop 38 when the means 54 for removably attachingis in an open state, see FIG. 2. The closed end loop 37 has an interior39 that is unobstructed by the means 50 for removably fastening thefirst end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24.

A further step is in, positioning the clothing accessory 22 relative tothe article of clothing 24 to a selected position and then engaging themeans 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to thearticle of clothing 24 such that one of the means 50 for removablyfastening that is adjacent to the fob line 42 is proximate to theclothing accessory 22. Continuing, a subsequent step is in inserting thesecond end portion 46 therethrough the clothing accessory 22, such asfor one example inserting the second end portion 46 through a clothingaccessory loop 36 and in particular a clothing accessory loop interior35 as best shown in FIG. 10. However many other types of clothingaccessories 22 could be removably engaged such as scarves, bandanas,shawls, ascots, neck ties, ascot ties, bow collars, sailor collars,bertha collars, jabots, and the like. In addition, the article ofclothing 24 can include such items as shirts, blouses, pants, shorts,skirts, dresses, coats, jackets, capes, ponchos, and the like. Againcontinuing, subsequent to this a step of engaging the means 54 forremovably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion44 such that the planar strip folds back on itself approximately at thefob line 42 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when themeans 54 for removably attaching is in the closed state, with the closedend loop 37 being operational to removably engage the clothing accessory22. This results in the clothing accessory 22 being removably engaged tothe article of clothing 24 with minimal movement 34 of the clothingaccessory 22 away from the article of clothing 24.

Optionally, for the method of removably engaging the clothing accessory22 from the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 from anarticle of clothing 24, the step of engaging can further comprise thatthe clothing accessory 22 be a dress tie 22 (as shown in FIGS. 5-13)with a front apron 23, a rear apron 25, and a loop 36 positionedapproximately transverse to the dress tie 22 vertical movement 33 withthe loop 36 mounted on the front apron 23, wherein one of the means 50for removably fastening is adjacent to the fold line 42 being proximateto the front apron 23 loop 36, see for example FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, forvertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22relative to the article of clothing 24. Resulting in vertical movement33 between the means for removably fastening 48 and 50 or through thespan or button spacing distance 30, while the clothing accessory 22 ordress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateralmovement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24. Further, when usinga dress tie 22 as the clothing accessory 22, wherein the step ofinserting can further comprise the second end portion 46 being insertedtherethrough the dress tie 22 loop interior 39, resulting in a slidable33 engagement or freedom of vertical movement 33 between the dress tie22 front apron 23 loop 36 and the closed end loop 37, as best shown inFIGS. 7, 8, and 12 for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22or dress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24, for verticalmovement 33 between the means for removably fastening 48 and 50 orthrough span or button spacing distance 30, while the clothing accessory22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 andlateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24. Also,similarly as is shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13 for vertical movement 33 ofthe clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to the article ofclothing 24, for vertical movement 33 through the closed loop interior39, wherein vertical movement 33 of the loop 36 is allowed over themeans 50 for removably fastening, that is preferably a button 26inserted through the button hole 27, wherein the button 26 is stitched28 to the article of clothing 24, while the clothing accessory 22 ordress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateralmovement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24.

Further, focusing in particular on the clothing accessory engagingapparatus with the elongated aperture assembly 21 and lookingspecifically at FIGS. 5-13 and referencing FIGS. 14-16, a method ofremovably engaging the clothing accessory 22 from the clothing accessoryengaging apparatus with the elongated aperture assembly 21 from thearticle of clothing 24, comprises the steps of: providing a flexiblemember 61 forming a substantially planar strip that includes the firstend portion 63 and the opposing second end portion 65, wherein the firstend portion 63 and the second end portion 65 are separated by a fob line74. Also, provide d is an aperture 51 in the form of a button hole 27disposed therethrough in the first end portion 63 and an elongatedaperture 57 in the form of an elongated button hole 62 disposedtherethrough in the first end portion 63. Wherein, the providedelongated button hole 62 is adjacent to the fob line 74, the button hole27, and the elongated button hole 62 are each approximately positionallymatched to mate with each of a corresponding button 26 for removablyfastening the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24. Theprovided clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated apertureassembly 21 also further includes a means 54 for removably attaching thesecond end portion 65 to the first end portion 63, wherein the flexiblemember 61 planar strip folds back on itself approximately at the foldline 74 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when themeans 54 for removably attaching is in a closed state as bestrepresented by FIG. 4 and the planar strip not forming a closed end loop38, when the means 54 for removably attaching is in an open state, asbest represented by FIG. 2. The closed end loop 37 has an interior 39that is unobstructed by the elongated button hole 62 with a button 26inserted therethrough when removably attaching the first end portion 63to the article of clothing 24. Even though FIGS. 2 and 4 represent theclothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 they are referencedfor the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated apertureassembly 21 for the showing of the closed and open states for the means54 for removably attaching, specifically the closed end loop 37 interior39 when the means 54 is in the closed state, see FIG. 4, and the nonclosed end loop 38 when the means 54 is in the open state, see FIG. 2.

A further step is in, positioning the clothing accessory 22 relative tothe article of clothing 24 to a selected position and then engaging theaperture 51 in the form of a button hole 27 in the first end portion 63and the elongated aperture 57 in the form of an elongated button hole 62disposed therethrough the first end portion 63 for removably fasteningthe first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24 such that theelongated button hole 62 is adjacent to the fob line 74 being proximateto the clothing accessory 22. Continuing, a subsequent step is ininserting the second end portion 65 there through the clothing accessory22, such as for one example inserting the second end portion 65 throughthe clothing accessory loop 36 and in particular the clothing accessoryloop interior 35 as best shown in FIG. 10. However many other types ofclothing accessories 22 could be removably engaged such as scarves,bandanas, shawls, ascots, neck ties, ascot ties, bow collars, sailorcollars, bertha collars, jabots, and the like. In addition, the articleof clothing 24 can include such items as shirts, blouses, pants, shorts,skirts, dresses, coats, jackets, capes, ponchos, and the like. Againcontinuing, subsequent to this a step of engaging the means 54 forremovably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion63 such that the planar strip folds back on itself approximately at thefold line 74 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when themeans 54 for removably attaching is in the closed state, with the closedend loop 37 being operational to removably engage the clothing accessory22. This results in the clothing accessory 22 being removably engaged tothe article of clothing 24 with minimal movement 34 of the clothingaccessory 22 a way from the article of clothing 24.

Optionally, for the method of method of removably engaging a clothingaccessory 22 from the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with theelongated aperture assembly 21 from the article of clothing 24, the stepof engaging can further comprise that the clothing accessory 22 be adress tie 22 (as shown in FIGS. 5-13) with a front apron 23, a rearapron 25, and a loop 36 positioned approximately transverse to the dresstie 22 vertical movement 33 with the loop 36 mounted on the front apron23, wherein the elongated button hole 62 is adjacent to the fob line 74being proximate to the front apron 23 loop 36, see for example FIGS. 5,6, and 11, for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 ordress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24. Resulting invertical movement 33 between button hole 27 and the elongated buttonhole 62 or through the nominal span or button spacing distance 30, withthe elongated button hole 62 allowing for a button spacing distance froma button minimum spacing 68 to button maximum spacing 70 (also see FIG.14) while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhatrestrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative tothe article of clothing 24. Further, when using a dress tie 22 as theclothing accessory 22, wherein the step of inserting can furthercomprise the second end portion 65 being inserted therethrough the dresstie 22 loop interior 39, resulting in a slidable 33 engagement orfreedom of vertical movement 33 between the dress tie 22 front apron 23loop 36 and the closed end loop 37, as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 12for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22relative to the article of clothing 24, for vertical movement 33 betweenthe button hole 27 and the elongated button hole 62 or through span orbutton spacing distance range from a minimum of 68 to a maximum of 70,with a nominal button spacing of 30 (also see FIG. 14), while theclothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outwardmovement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing24. Also, similarly as is shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13 for verticalmovement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to thearticle of clothing 24, for vertical movement 33 through the closed loopinterior 39, wherein vertical movement 33 of the loop 36 is allowed overthe elongated button hole 62, with a button 26 inserted through theelongated button hole 62, wherein the button 26 is stitched 23 to fromthe article of clothing 24, while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32relative to the article of clothing 24.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly the present invention of a clothing accessory engagingapparatus assembly has been described with some degree of particularitydirected to the embodiments of the present invention. It should beappreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by thefollowing claims construed in light of the prior art so modificationsthe changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention without departing from the inventive concepts containedtherein.

1. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus for removably engaging aclothing accessory to an article of clothing, comprising: (a) a flexiblemember forming a substantially planar strip that includes a first endportion and an opposing second end portion, wherein said first endportion and said second end portion are separated by a fob line; (b) aplurality of means for removably fastening said first end portion to thearticle of clothing, wherein at least one of said means for removablyfastening is adjacent to said fold line; and (c) a means for removablyattaching said second end portion to said first end portion, whereinsaid planar strip fobs back on itself approximately at said fob linewith said planar strip forming a closed end loop when said means forremovably attaching is in a closed state and said planar strip notforming a closed end loop when said means for removably attaching is inan open state, said closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructedby said means for removably fastening said first end portion to thearticle of clothing.
 2. A clothing accessory engaging apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said means for removably fastening isselected from a group consisting essentially of a buttonholetherethrough said first end portion, a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hookand loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin.
 3. Aclothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 2 wherein saidmeans for removably fastening are each substantially positionallymatched to mate with each of a corresponding means for removablyfastening on the article of clothing.
 4. A clothing accessory engagingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for removablyattaching is selected from a group consisting essentially of a buttonand a buttonhole, a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, adrawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin.
 5. A clothing accessoryengaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said flexible member isconstructed of fabric.
 6. A clothing accessory engaging apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said second end portion further comprisesan indicia.
 7. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein said second end portion further comprises a plurality ofindicia.
 8. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus for removablyengaging a clothing accessory to an article of clothing, comprising: (a)a flexible member forming a substantially planar strip that includes afirst end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein said firstend portion and said second end portion are separated by a fold line;(b) an aperture in the form of a button hole disposed therethrough insaid first end portion and an aperture in the form of an elongatedbutton hole disposed therethrough in said first end portion, whereinsaid elongated button hole is adjacent to said fold line, said buttonhole and said elongated button hole are each approximately positionallymatched to mate with each of a corresponding button for removablyfastening said first end portion to the article of clothing; and (c) ameans for removably attaching said second end portion to said first endportion, wherein said planar strip folds back on itself approximately atsaid fold line with said planar strip forming a closed end loop whensaid means for removably attaching is in a closed state and said planarstrip not forming a closed end loop when said means for removablyattaching is in an open state, said closed end loop has an interior thatis unobstructed by said elongated button hole with a button insertedthere through when removably attaching said first end portion to thearticle of clothing.
 9. A clothing accessory engaging apparatusaccording to claim 3 wherein said means for removably attaching isselected from a group consisting essentially of a button and abuttonhole, a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, adrawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin.
 10. A clothing accessoryengaging apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said flexible member isconstructed of a semi rigid material.
 11. A clothing accessory engagingapparatus according to claim 8 wherein said flexible member isconstructed of fabric.
 12. A clothing accessory engaging apparatusaccording to claim 11 further comprising a plurality of stiffeningmembers that are adjacent to said elongated button hole, said stiffeningmembers are operational to further retain the button on the elongatedbutton hole to better attach said first end portion to the article ofclothing.
 13. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim8 wherein said second end portion further comprises an indicia.
 14. Aclothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 8 wherein saidsecond end portion further comprises a plurality of indicia.
 15. Amethod of removably engaging a clothing accessory from an article ofclothing, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a flexible memberforming a substantially planar strip that includes a first end portionand an opposing a second end portion, wherein said first end portion andsaid second end portion are separated by a fold line, a plurality ofmeans for removably fastening said first end portion to the article ofclothing, wherein at least one of said means for removably fastening isadjacent to said fold line, and a means for removably attaching saidsecond end portion to said first end portion, wherein said planar stripfobs back on itself approximately at said fold line with said planarstrip forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attackingis in a closed state and said planar strip not forming a closed end loopwhen said means for removably attaching is in an open state, said closedend loop has an interior that is unobstructed by said means forremovably fastening said first end portion to the article of clothing;(b) positioning the clothing accessory relative to the article ofclothing to a selected position; (c) engaging said means for removablyfastening said first end portion to the article of clothing such thatone of said means for removably fastening that is adjacent to said foldline is proximate to the clothing accessory, (d) inserting said secondend portion therethrough the clothing accessory, and (e) engaging saidmeans for removably attaching said second end portion to said first endportion such that said planar strip fobs back on itself approximately atsaid fob line with said planar strip forming a closed end loop when saidmeans for removably attaching is in said closed state, said closed endloop is operational to removably engage the clothing accessory resultingin the clothing accessory being removably engaged to the article ofclothing with minimal movement of the clothing accessory away from thearticle of clothing.
 16. A method of removably engaging a clothingaccessory from an article of clothing according to claim 15 wherein saidstep of engaging further comprises the clothing accessory being a tiewith a front apron, a rear apron, and a loop positioned approximatelytransverse to a tie vertical movement with the loop mounted on the frontapron, wherein one of said means for removably fastening that isadjacent to said fold line is proximate to the front apron loop.
 17. Amethod of removably engaging a clothing accessory from an article ofclothing according to claim 16 wherein said step of inserting furthercomprises said second end portion being inserted therethrough a tie loopinterior, resulting in a slidable engagement between the tie front apronloop and said closed end loop.